This is a project that I had interest in doing. It may sound corny and a bit mushy on some parts, but I had a lot of fun with this. I am guessing that all the characters in this story survived after HL2: Episode 3. If not, well, I apologize. :) Enjoy.
Disclaimer: Valve software owns the Half-life universe. I do not own Frank Sinatra's "Witchcraft." Song.
Crowbar Wedding
Barney Calhoun stood in the hallway outside the groom's door, trying to stretch the sleeves to his tuxedo. The coat was a bit too small for him. Dr. Isaac Kliener chuckled at his friend's predicament.
"Man, doc." Barney stated with annoyance, " they made my coat to small. I told them to make the sleeves longer."
Dr. Kliener smiled. He didn't really care about Barney's problem. Nothing would drop Kliener's spirits on this day.
"Oh, You'll be alright. I'm more worried about the priest. I hope he's ready in time."
"You and me both doc." Barney turned towards the bulkhead door next to him and knocked.
"Do you need some help in there?" Barney shouted. There was no answer.
"I hope he's still breathing." Kliener said playfully.
---
Gordon gave out a huge sigh. His bow tie was in shambles. It had been decades since he had to tie a tie. He gave up for a moment, looking in the wall-mounted mirror. His handmade slacks looked fine, his white button-up shirt looked fine and his hair was slightly parted to the side. His goatee was neatly shaven and the rebels had found a pair of shiny shoes in a nearby village to complement the outfit. Everything was perfect . . . except for the tie. A loud knock reverberated from the door.
"Yes?" Gordon replied in a nervous voice. Dr. Kliener walked into the room.
"Gordon. We found a priest."
Gordon gave out a relieving sigh. They were having trouble in finding a priest for months. He was starting to freak out. The priest walked into the room, almost making Gordon fall to the floor. It was Father Grigori.
"Hello Brother!" the bald priest boomed, raising his hands to the heavens.
Gordon was shocked.
"How . . . How did you get here?"
"Well, Brother Freeman," Grigori replied in a heavy Russian accent," I was on the road towards the mountains, to spend more time with my Lord, when your fellow comrades picked me up and told me of your, hehe, problem."
Gordon was still shocked. "How did you get out of the city?"
Grigori smiled. "My congregation felt the urge to leave Ravenholm, giving me a first clue. Then the skies turned black and menacing, informing me to leave my home. For day's, I have been relieved of my preaching duties, but was happy to learn of your need. I'm afraid, though, I have not married couple's in years. I am here to give you my services, brother." As he said the last line, Father Grigori gave a small bow.
Gordon smiled. He was grateful to have a priest, even though this was the craziest one in the land. Grigori bent back up and spotted Gordon's messed up tie. He stepped forward and fixed the problem, making a perfect bow. "Don't worry, brother. This day will forever bless you." He said, obviously reading the nervousness on Gordon's face.
"Thank you, father." Gordon simply replied. Before the conversation progressed, the bulkhead door swung open and Barney poked his head in.
"Five minutes, Gordon."
---
Alyx Vance was pacing the floor, fidgeting with her fingers. It wasn't that she was having second thoughts, it was just nerves. She had almost everything prepared. Her short hair was pulled back into a small bun. She had complained a bit that the hair looked a smidge too "girly". So, small strands of hair were spiked, sticking out of the bun. She was still wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. Her dress was sitting on a metal chair in front of her. She brought her hand up to her chin and just stared at the large white dress, thinking for a moment. Before Alyx could put it on, a soft knock came from the bulkhead door.
"Come in!" Alyx called. The large metal door swung open and Judith Mossman entered the room wearing a nice black skirt and red jacket. Alyx smiled at her friend. Judith smiled back.
"How are you doing?" Judith inquired.
"Nervous." Was all Alyx could say. "But completely excited."
Judith chuckled as she walked closer to the bride to be. She then grasped both of Alyx's hands. "He's a lucky man."
Alyx bowed her head in nerves. "I'm lucky to have him."
Judith's eyes started to well up with tears. Alyx looked at her friend, concerned.
"I'm proud of you Alyx."
Alyx smiled, almost succumbing to tears herself. The two women embraced. Judith looked into Alyx's eyes.
"You better get that dress on." She said, glancing at the empty gown, "It's almost time."
---
Gordon walked down the dimly lit, concrete hallway escorted by Barney, Dr. Kliener and Father Grigori. They had to have the ceremony within the confines of Green Base, located thirty miles outside of the City 17 ruins. There were still small pockets of Combine activity in the countryside, so Dr. Kliener insisted on staying inside the base. After traveling down a few more passageways, the trio found the double doors they had been looking for. Dr. Kliener stopped and smiled at Gordon. "Good luck, Gordon." The doctor then walked back down the hall to join Alyx. Gordon took a deep breath before opening the doors.
Inside was a large room filled with people. The walls had been painted white, so to look somewhat like a church sanctuary. The floor was carpeted in green and metal pews lined the floor, all of them filled with friends and family. A small podium stood at the other end of the room atop a raised platform. Everyone in the room looked towards Gordon, each one with a smile on their faces.
As Gordon walked down the red carpet leading to the stage, he recognized some of the audience members. Dr. Magnusson sat near the front of the makeshift sanctuary, wearing a rare smile on his face. The Vortigaunt named Uria sat near his kin on the left side of the room, and to Gordon's amusement, each Vort wore a custom made tuxedo. Numerous rebels and citizen's came to witness this momentous occasion. D0g sat in the back of the room, whooping and beeping in excitement as the groom entered the room, and eventually followed the pair down the isle, taking his place beside the other groomsmen.
The Groom and his best men (and robot) mounted the platform, waiting in anticipation for the bride. Gordon exhaled, causing Barney to grin. He was enjoying Gordon's nervousness. Father Grigori took his place on the center stage, holding a beat up bible. He coughed slightly, clearing his throat.
Alyx stood outside the double doors waiting for the bridesmaids to enter the sanctuary first. She clenched the roses in her fists a bit more, anticipating the next chapter in her life. She took a deep breath. Dr. Kliener walked next to the Bride and held out his elbow. Alyx took it, smiling at her uncle. Judith, now in front of her, turned and smiled. Alyx gave a small grin. Behind the doors, Alyx could hear a piano playing. Dr. Kliener had built an electronic piano out of spare parts, just for the wedding. It actually didn't sound that bad.
The doors parted, signaling the bridesmaids to enter the room. Judith walked out the door, walking slowly down the isle. There was no flower girl, because the only child within the base, Baako, was still too little. Next was the bride.